HC Deb 31 January 2002 vol 379 cc477-8W
Mr. Gareth R. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had on providing funding for refugees for those fleeing from child slavery; and if she will make a statement. [31460]

Clare Short

Children may be at risk from many forms of forced labour. Protection and rehabilitation in their former or new communities needs to be adapted to their particular circumstances, whether they are former bonded labourers, child soldiers or victims of trafficking.

Many programmes supported by my Department to end exploitative child labour and improve livelihood opportunities and access to education, health, justice and protection provide assistance to such children. We also support specifically targeted programmes such as UNICEF's work on the rehabilitation of child soldiers and other children affected by conflict.

Mr. Gareth R. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has received about child slavery(a) in general and (b) in Gabon, Togo and Benin; and if she will make a statement. [31459]

Clare Short

Concern has been expressed about child trafficking and slavery in a number of regions, including Gabon, Togo and Benin and other parts of West Africa. The Government are strongly committed to the elimination of child slavery and all forms of abusive or exploitative child labour. We are supporting the efforts of governments, working with our European partners and international bodies such as UNICEF and the International Labour Organisation, and voluntary agencies such as Anti-Slavery International, to end these practices, both in domestic and export industries.